All Running Smoothiely!

My name is Becca, I am fast approaching 40, I am a mum, wife and business owner. As you could imagine, I have a full life. I started jogging just because it was sociable, free and it fitted around my family.

I have always enjoyed exercise but running would never have been top of my list! Being a former smoker probably didn’t help and I remember having to stop to catch my breath several times during 5k jogs.

I had been running for two years before My friend Kerrie and I had the crazy idea to enter the London Marathon. It will be one of the toughest challenges I have ever signed up to but raising money seems to be the bigger challenge at the moment.

As time has gone by, kilometres turned into miles, miles turned into half marathons and I started to notice positive changes in my appearance, my physical ability and in the food I wanted to eat. Everyone tells you how important it is to eat the right food before you go running. I now know this through experimenting. I can’t have that Chinese take out, accompanied with a G&T the night before a 14 mile run. I have to fuel my body correctly or suffer the consequences. I ran a half marathon on a banana (and several jelly babies) and felt great. Now I’m running past 13 miles, I’ve had to up the fuel.

I have never blogged before and I’m not sure what people write. I thought I would share my latest yogurt smoothie pre running breakfast with you. I’m not a textbook smoothie maker so every one is slightly different, depending on what I have in the fridge, what needs using before it goes out of date or just what I fancy. My eldest child has also started enjoying the smoothies. He knows there is spinach in them but he can never taste it.

This one has Greek yogurt, spinach, milk, avocado, summer fruits, dates, a good helping of seeds and walnuts.

Run Besties Run!

So this is my first entry on the blog – and as a woman who likes to have a plan I have spent the last few months reading about how to cross the finish line in one piece. I am now a small fountain of knowledge on positive mantra’s, vaseline for chafing….ouch, blister plasters, zinc oxide tape and the joys of ‘Gels’ to keep you going ( but hopefully not ‘Going’!) I have a plan written specifically for the ‘non marathon runner’ which we are sticking to (pretty much…..) and have had my ‘gait’ analysed … flat footed and over pronator … so attractive to see your bum running on a treadmill, having seen a badger run once… I have the style but not the speed.

I started running at 40… purely because I hadn’t exercised anything other than my mouth for a good 10 years and felt I needed to be able to catch my son when he raced across the playground. Running worked for me as you don’t need any special kit ( HA! the naivety of that statement….) and you can go when you want to go. No gym class times to stick to. Aside from exercising my heart and body, running also gives me time to think, a type of therapy really.

I am not good at it so I have to focus all my energies on breathing and not falling over (most of the time… spectacular fail in December when I literally ‘smashed my face in’ running up a hill…) so having brain ‘down time’ is very healthy and that’s how it feels for me.

Having completed the hellish hilly Worcester Half Marathon last May with Bec and a few other friends the full 26.2 miles seemed the next step and I knew I needed to do it for a charity I felt strongly about so I could stay motivated.

So here we are, 16.68 miles in, sore hips, sore feet but deep down, loving it a bit and hoping to raise some funds for the children’s service.

Two best friends with the same surname, both from Droitwich, have set themselves the extreme challenge of completing the London Marathon this year, in aid of two West Midlands sexual violence charities.

Kerrie Best and Becca Best have been friends since their sons met at nursery, and the pair started running together two years ago. They completed the Worcester Half Marathon in 2017 and started training for the London Marathon in November in order to raise money for the Children and Young People’s Services at West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) and Coventry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC).

As a Project Worker and Counsellor at WMRSASC Kerrie cites her reason for the challenge as being due to “seeing young children come across our doors at WMRSASC. They shouldn’t have to come, however, as long as they do need support it should be available, no waiting list, for as long as it takes.”

Both women have described the challenge as the hardest they have ever signed up to but are determined to see it through and raise as much money as they can. They currently train three times a week with a mixture of aqua aerobics, gym and running, with an additional long run every weekend, where to date they have surpassed 16.5 miles.

As part of the fundraising, there will be an online auction of a beautiful necklace donated by Anja Potze which will begin on 25th February and end on 4th March, further details can be found on the WMRSASC Facebook page: www.facebook.com/wmrsasc

Business Support

WMRSASC have an exciting full time vacancy (for a minimum two year fixed term contract) for a Business Support role. For the right candidates, job share will be considered.

The successful candidate will be experienced in providing business support, including managing resources, allocating tasks, creating reports and overseeing financial transactions. This role is ideal for a proactive, well organised and experienced individual who enjoys working in a fast paced operational environment. As a minimum, experience should include:

​Working within a senior administrative role, making operational decisions to meet the needs of the contract/service.

Managing financial transactions, ideally using SAGE.

Working with multiple external contacts, managing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Developing improved processes to ensure the service is cost effective and client focused.

Working in a confidential environment.

The post is based in Worcester however, occasional travel will be required.

If you would like an application pack please click on the links below to download, complete and return to admin@wmrsasc.org.uk. If you have any questions about the role please email admin@wmrsasc.org.uk specifying the vacancy that you are interested in.

Male Independent Sexual Violence Advisor

Due to continued expansion WMRSASC has a vacancy for a Male Independent Sexual Violence Advisor.

The successful candidate will have an understanding of the nature and impact of sexual violence and experience of working with victims. They will be required to work within a multi-agency setting to provide a pro-active service to female and male adult survivors of sexual violence within and outside of the criminal justice system to:

Develop and deliver a non-therapeutic advocacy and support service to clients

Help clients to access appropriate therapeutic interventions and to develop their own support network

Where necessary provide emotional, practical and advocacy support through the Criminal Justice System

Monitor and keep client informed of case progress if involved with the Criminal Justice Process

Provide information about the impacts of sexual violence and signposting to specialist support services

Maintain a caseload and accurate electronic records

Support client to access their rights

Contribute towards service development

Participate in individual clinical supervision, appraisal sessions and team meetings

Whilst this post is predominately working with adults there may be a requirement to support children and young people in response to meet service demands.

The post holder must have the ability to travel throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

If you have any questions about the role please contact Ruth Kimberley on 01905 611655.

If you would like an application pack please download the documents below and complete and return the Application Form and EO Monitoring Form to us by email at admin@wmrsasc.org.uk, or by post to WMRSASC, PO Box 240, Worcester, WR1 2LF. If you are unable to download the pack and would like one sent to you please email admin@wmrsasc.org.uk specifying the vacancy that you are interested in.

Children and Young People’s Counsellor

21 hours p/week, £25,440 per annum pro rata

Due to further expansion WMRSASC has a vacancy for a part-time Children and Young People’s Counsellor.

The successful candidate will have experience of working with children and young people and have an understanding of the nature and impact of sexual violence and experience of working with survivors. They will be required to work within a multi-agency setting to provide a counselling service to children and young people aged 5 years and over who are survivors of sexual violence. They will hold a Level 4 or equivalent in counselling/psychotherapy and will hold professional membership and registration with a recognised professional body such as BACP.

Responsibilities will include:

Providing counselling to young people who have completed an assessment after being referred to the service.

Ensuring that clients understand the service and are competent to consent to engage with counselling in line with Fraser Guidelines.

Maintaining appropriate records of counselling in line with legal, ethical and organisational constraints including pre-trial therapy.

Communicating and liaising with other agencies within the limitations of the role and confidentiality; this will be done with support from the supervisor/counselling manager.

Encouraging and engaging with the young person’s family where appropriate, e.g. to facilitate attendance at appointments.

Maintaining professional membership, insurance and practice in accordance with the ethical framework of a professional body including the participation in regular supervision and CPD.

Maintaining awareness of the rights of the child and allow them autonomy within the counselling process.

Ensuring that monitoring and feedback is maintained as part of the ongoing sustainability of the service.

The post can be based in Herefordshire or Worcestershire but the post holder will be required to support clients across West Mercia and must have the ability to travel throughout the county.

If you are interested in applying please download an application pack using the links below, or email helen.stanbra@wmrsasc.org.uk for further information. If you have any questions about the role please contact Helen Stanbra, Counselling Services Manager, on 01905 611655. Please email completed packs to admin@wmrsasc.org.uk or post to WMRSASC, PO Box 240, Worcester, WR1 2LF.

Closing date for applications is 29th August 2017. Interviews will be held on the 5th September 2017.

Job Vacancies

Children and Young People’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CHISVA)

(Between 21 and 37.5 hours per week to be discussed at interview and agreed on appointment, £25,951 pro rata)

Due to continued expansion WMRSASC has a vacancy for a Children and Young People’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor.

The successful candidate will have an understanding of the nature and impact of sexual violence and experience of working with survivors. They will be required to work within a multi-agency setting to provide a pro-active service to children and young people aged 5 years and over who are survivors of sexual violence, within and outside of the criminal justice system to:

Develop and deliver a non-therapeutic advocacy and support service to children and young people.

Help children and young people to access appropriate therapeutic interventions and to develop their own support network.

Where necessary provide emotional and practical support through the criminal justice system.

Risk assess and help children and young people keep safe.

Support children and young people to access their rights.

Support children and young people to access health and other services they require.

Monitor and keep children and young people informed of case progress.

Consider and respond to child safeguarding issues when engaging with all children and young people.

Contribute towards service development.

Maintain a caseload and accurate electronic records.

Participate in individual clinical supervision, appraisal sessions and team meetings.

Participate in group work facilitation.

Provide information about the impacts of sexual violence and signposting to specialist support services.

Whilst this post is predominately working with children and young people there may be a requirement to support adults in response to meet service demands.

The post is based in Worcestershire but the post holder will be required to support clients in both Herefordshire and Worcestershire and must have the ability to travel throughout both counties.

Application packs can be downloaded using the links below, if you require any further information please email admin@wmrsasc.org.uk specifying the vacancy that you are interested in.

Male Independent Sexual Violence Advisor

Due to continued expansion WMRSASC has a vacancy for a Male Independent Sexual Violence Advisor.

The successful candidate will have an understanding of the nature and impact of sexual violence and experience of working with victims. They will be required to work within a multi-agency setting to provide a pro-active service to female and male adult survivors of sexual violence within and outside of the criminal justice system to:

Develop and deliver a non-therapeutic advocacy and support service to clients

Help clients to access appropriate therapeutic interventions and to develop their own support network

Where necessary provide emotional, practical and advocacy support through the Criminal Justice System

Monitor and keep client informed of case progress if involved with the Criminal Justice Process

Provide information about the impacts of sexual violence and signposting to specialist support services

Maintain a caseload and accurate electronic records

Support client to access their rights

Contribute towards service development

Participate in individual clinical supervision, appraisal sessions and team meetings

Whilst this post is predominately working with adults there may be a requirement to support children and young people in response to meet service demands.

The post holder must have the ability to travel throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

If you have any questions about the role please contact Ruth Kimberley on 01905 611655.

Application packs can be downloaded using the links below, if you require any further information please email admin@wmrsasc.org.uk specifying the vacancy that you are interested in.

West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) is pleased to announce that we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year and are holding an all day Rockfest fundraising event at the Marrs Bar, Worcester on Saturday, October 15th to mark the occasion. Featuring music from SoulStripper, Foreign Quarter, Connor Maher Quartet, Thousand Mountain, Skewwhiff, Hipflask Virgins, Calm Like a Riot, Rich Clarke and Surge. MadSnacks Killa Tacos will be in the building selling their awesome tacos to keep your energy levels at 11 plus there will be a vinyl shop and raffle with all proceeds going to the charity.

WMRSASC is a free, confidential and non-judgemental support service for individuals aged 11 years and over who have experienced any form of rape or sexual abuse at any time in their lives. Over the past three decades our organisation has provided continual support for survivors in the community. During the year 2015-16 we provided face to face support to 1679 clients and received 1319 helpline calls throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Come along and get some top notch high voltage rock and roll directly to your earholes whilst earning excellent karma points by helping WMRSASC to provide support for survivors of sexual violence and abuse in our local community.

Job Vacancy

Children and Young People’s Counsellor

21 hours

£25,440 per annum pro rata

Due to further expansion WMRSASC has a vacancy for a part-time Children and Young People’s Counsellor on a two year fixed term contract with a 6 month probationary period (continuation subject to funding).

The successful candidate will have experience of working with children and young people and have an understanding of the nature and impact of sexual violence and experience of working with survivors. They will be required to work within a multi-agency setting to provide a counselling service to children and young people aged 5 years and over who are survivors of sexual violence. They will hold a Level 4 or equivalent in counselling/psychotherapy and will hold professional membership and registration with a recognised professional body such as BACP.

Responsibilities will include:
• Providing counselling to young people who have completed an assessment after being referred to the service.
• Ensuring that clients understand the service and are competent to consent to engage with counselling in line with Fraser Guidelines.
• Maintaining appropriate records of counselling in line with legal ethical and organisational constraints including pre-trial therapy.
• Communicating and liaising with other agencies within the limitations of the role and confidentiality; this will be done with support from the supervisor/counselling manager.
• Encouraging and engaging with the young person’s family where appropriate, e.g. to facilitate attendance at appointments.
• Maintaining professional membership, insurance and practice in accordance with the ethical framework of a professional body including the participation in regular supervision and CPD.
• Maintaining awareness of the rights of the child and allow them autonomy within the counselling process.
• Ensuring that monitoring and feedback is maintained as part of the ongoing sustainability of the service.

The post can be based in Herefordshire or Worcestershire but the post holder will be required to support clients across West Mercia and must have the ability to travel throughout the county.

If you are interested in applying please email office@wmrsasc.org.uk for an application pack. If you have any questions about the role please contact Rebecca Weir or Dee Griffiths on the above email or call 01905 611655.

Closing date for applications is 7th October 2016, and the Assessment Centre will be held on the 14th October 2016.

Client Services Administrator

Due to further expansion WMRSASC has a vacancy for a part-time Client Services Administrator on a one year fixed term contract with a 6 month probationary period (continuation subject to funding).

The successful candidate will be proficient at using Information Technology, including Windows, Microsoft Office and Excel, email and the Internet. They will have experience of working with a database system and will have relevant experience of working in a similar role.

The administrator is expected to work within the ethos of WMRSASC and have high standards of practice. The need to respect confidentiality is paramount, as is a mature and flexible approach to the work.

The position is predominantly based in Worcester but the post holder may need to travel to the second office in Hereford City Centre as and when required.

If you are interested in applying please email office@wmrsasc.org.uk for an application pack which includes a full job description and person specification.

Facebook

In support of our intrepid London Marathon runners and WMRSASC, we are auctioning off a stunning sterling silver necklace, handmade by local jeweller Anja Potze and very generously donated by her to WMRSASC.

The listing goes live on Thursday 22nd February at 9pm and will close on Sunday 4th March at 9pm, giving us plenty of time to make sure you receive it in time should you want to give it to your lovely mum for Mother's Day!

All Running Smoothiely! My name is Becca, I am fast approaching 40, I am a mum, wife and business owner. As you could imagine, I have a full life. I started jogging just because it was sociable, free and it fitted around my family. I have always enjoyed exercise but running would never have been top...

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